“Dexter,” “Homeland” Set Ratings Records for Season Finales

Critics soured on both “Dexter” and “Homeland” midway through their most recent seasons, but the Showtime dramas proved everlasting credibility with viewers Sunday night.

Their season finales–the seventh and second, respectively–delivered impressive numbers, establishing series records on certain metrics.

The “Dexter” finale attracted 2.75 million viewers for its first broadcast at 9PM, which easily topped last week’s record-setting 2.58 million mark. With its encore included, “Dexter” garnered 3.43 million total viewers Sunday night, which is also a series high.

At 2.3 million viewers, ratings for the initial 10PM “Homeland” airing were actually down slightly from last week’s telecast, but the nightly total of 2.7 million ranks as a series best.

Even as reviews grow colder, “Dexter” and “Homeland” are undoubtedly keeping viewers engaged.